Ten ways to relax or be active while RVing in Alberta
There are numerous reasons to choose Alberta for your camping holiday; here are ten of our favourites
The scenic province of Alberta has always been attractive to RV campers, and it’s not surprising when you consider the wealth of activities available there. Whether you enjoy getting active and challenging yourself, or taking a well-deserved break from the daily grind, Alberta has all the attractions you could wish for, and then some.
We’ve chosen ten highlights you’ll want to include on your next itinerary.
With the distinction of being Canada's first national park, this is one of those magical places that every RVer should see at least once. Of course you'll want to keep coming back, once you see the array of hiking and biking trails, ski areas, boutique shops, mountain lakes (including the famously fabulous Lake Louise), festivals and other points of interest.
Located six kilometres northwest of Drumheller, this paleontology museum is enticing for visitors of every age group. You can take on one of the nearby hiking trails and get a taste of the Badlands terrain, or you can tour the museum, observe the dinosaur exhibits and pop in to the gift store to pick up a few souvenirs.
A mountain paradise in every sense, Jasper National Park appeals to those with a penchant for outdoor recreation. With hiking trails, postcard-perfect viewpoints, campgrounds and engaging interpretive programs, this place has it all.
4.) Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
This well-known attraction pays homage to the history of the Plains People, educating visitors about their hunting practices and other aspects of the local heritage. Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1981, and it offers an interpretive centre that is open year-round, hosting special events and educational programs.
No list of Alberta hot spots would be complete without mentioning the world-famous Calgary Stampede. Every year this festival draws an enthusiastic crowd, with a rodeo, live music, fireworks, kids events and more.
6.) Red Rock Canyon in Waterton Lakes National Park
Truly a sight to behold, Red Rock Canyon offers some of the most stunning hiking trails in the province. The vibrantly coloured bedrock makes the alpine landscape a memorable choice for photographers and nature buffs of all kinds.
Situated 15 minutes southwest of Edmonton, the University of Alberta Devonian Botanic Garden spans 190 acres and features both indoor and outdoor botanical collections. Between May 1 and Thanksgiving, visitors can enter the gardens, walk along the nature trails and see breathtaking exhibits—such as the Kurimoto Japanese Garden, a Native Peoples Garden and a Tropical Showhouse, which is home to exotic species of butterflies.
8.) Frank Slide Interpretive Centre
If you're travelling through the Crowsnest Pass, the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre is a must-see stop along the way. Learn about what life was like in the coal mining town of Frank, before a deadly rock slide devastated the community.
West Edmonton Mall has a number of quality shops, but it's far more than a retail centre. There are dining and nightlife venues, theatres, mini-golf, a water park and plenty of other features that will keep you busy and enthralled.
10.) Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park
This National Historic Site has been revered by the local First Nations for thousands of years. It is a protected site known for being home to the largest concentration of petroglyphs and pictographs in the Great Plains area. You can go on a guided tour and visit the new visitors centre, which is located in a traditional-style tipi and contains historical First Nations artifacts.
